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A MEMORAJXDUM 


CONCERNING 


THE  CHARLESTOWN  POST-OFFICE. 

V 


BY  ARTHUR  W.  AUSTIN,  P.  M. 


IJVTRODUCTIOJV- 


The  following  Documents,  with  a few  comments,  are 
respectfully  presented  to  the  citizens  of  Charlestown. 
They  having  been  recently  called  upon  to  express  their 
opinions  concerning  the  Postmaster,  it  seems  proper  to 
exhibit  the  ground  of  the  call.  And  some  of  those  en- 
gaged in  the  conspiracy  having,  with  their  usual  regard 
to  truth,  represented  that  Mr.  Austin  had  been  entrap- 
ped into  a belief  that  he  had  been  assailed,  when  no 
complaints  had  been  preferred  at  the  bureau  of  the 
Postmaster-General, — he  has  thought  it  expedient  to 
make  an  exposure  of  the  plot  from  its  origin. 


MEMORANDUM. 


On  the  25th  of  January  1834,  1 received  a notice  from  the  Post- 
Office  Department,  of  the  following  tenor,  viz. 

Post-Office  Department,  Northern  Division,  ) 

21st  January  J 834.  1 

Sir  ; — The  following  complaints  have  been  made  the  ground  of 
an  application  to  the  Postmaster  General  for  a new  appointment  of 
Postmaster  for  the  office  at  Charle.stown,  Mass. 

It  is  stated,  that  such  is  the  nature  and  extent  of  your  private 
business,  that  it  precludes  you  from  discharging  the  duties  of  said 
office  in  the  manner  required  for  the  accommodation  of  the  citizens, 
and  the  safety  of  their  property  ; that  but  little  of  your  personal  at- 
tention is  given  to  said  duties — the  greater  part  of  your  time  being 
spent  in  Boston  in  the  discharge  of  your  professional  engagements  ; 
that  the  business  is  left  almost  entirely  to  the  care  of  an  assistant, 
a lad  about  thirteen  years  of  age,  and  in  the  absence  of  the  assist- 
ant, to  such  personal  acquaintances  as  may  casually  stop  at  the  office, 
who,  in  return  for  this  service,  are  allowed  to  read  such  papers  as 
may  be  in  the  office  for  delivery  to  subscribers. 

It  is  further  stated,  that  in  consequence  of  the  irregularities  in  the 
receipt  and  delivery  of  letters  at  your  office,  many  of  the  citizens  are 
unwilling  to  risk  their  correspondence  through  it  ; but  prefer  having 
their  mail  communications  addressed  to  them  at  the  Boston  office. 

It  is  also  represented,  that  you  are  not  courteous  in  your  demean- 
our towards  the  citizens  ; and  that  you  do  not  possess  that  spirit  of 
activity,  and  the  desire  to  accommodate,  which  ought  to  be  found 
connected  with  the  head  of  so  important  an  office  as  that  intrusted  to 
your  care. 

Your  answer  is  expected. 

1 am,  sir,  lespectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

' ' S.  R.  HOBBIE, 

•Mssistant  Postmaster  General, 

To  A.  W.  Austin,  Esquire,  Postmaster, 

Charlestown,  (Mass.)  Middlesex  County. 

This  communication  was  received  on  the  25th,  and  answered  on 
the  27th  of  January  1834.  My  reply  was  as  follows: 

Charlestown  Post-Office,  > 
January  27th,  1834.  ) 

Sir, — Yours  of  the  21st  inst.  was  duly  received,  and  I proceed 
to  reply  to  its  contents.  I will  freely  confess,  that  I am  altogether 
surprised  at  the  hardihood  of  those  who  could  furnish  such  ground- 


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less  charges  against  my  administration  of  the  duties  of  this  office.  I 
intend,  by  a plain  tale,  to  convince  the  Department  of  the  ignorance 
of  the  complainants  in  some  of  the  particulars, — of  their  malice  in  all. 
But  I cannot  help  observing,  that  if  it  had  been  consistent  with  the 
rules  of  the  Department,  I should  have  much  preferred  to  have  known 
my  accusers.  I could  then  have  satisfactorily  shown  the  motives  by 
which  they  have  been  actuated.  Accusations  derive  their  import- 
ance from  the  responsibility  and  respectability  of  the  accusers.  In 
the  present  instance,  whatever  has  been  effected  in  this  town,  has 
been  transacted  with  profound  secrecy.  No  complaints  of  the  de- 
scription mentioned  have  ever  reached  the  ears  of  my  friends,  nor  is 
there  any  complaint  in  the  body  of  this  community. 

I will  state,  here,  in  broad  terms,  that  I would  not  consent  to  hold 
the  responsible  situation  which  I now  occupy,  if  even  a very  incon- 
siderable number  of  the  people  declared  that  the  appointment  of  any 
other  person  would  promote  the  public  interest.  I am  yet  to  learn 
that  any  department  of  our  government  will  lend  itself  to  the  grati- 
fication of  private  malice,  or  will  refuse  its  protection  to  an  upright 
public  officer. 

I did  think  of  examining  each  charge  distinctly,  but,  upon  a mo- 
ment’s reflection,  as  many  of  the  charges  are  connected,  I have 
thought  best  to  make  my  reply  general. 

I am  engaged  in  the  profession  of  the  law.  When  I first  received 
my  commission,  I had  an  office  in  Boston,  which  I visited  at  9 A. 
M.  and  closed  at  1.  P.  M.,  having  then  in  my  constant  employ  a 
clerk  or  assistant  who  was  at  that  time  over  tiventy~one  years  of  age. 
He  had  the  misfortune  to  have  a wooden  leg,  but  was  active  and 
attentive  to  the  duties  of  the  office.  He  remained  in  my  constant 
employ  till  the  1st  day  of  July  last.  He  was  then  promoted  to  a 
very  responsible  situation  in  the  Charlestown  Bank,  upon  my  sole  re- 
commendation. He  is  still  in  my  employ,  and  officiates,  if  necessary, 
as  assistant,  and  holds  the  office  of  penny-post.  During  the  last  two 
years,  I have  merely  had  a desk  in  the  office  of  a professional  friend 
in  Boston,  and,  have  not  argued  a single  cause  in  the  Boston  Courts 
since  April  1832  ! I have  only  been  at  Boston  between  10  A.  M. 
and  1 P.  M.,  and  have  not  averaged  three  hours  a day  in  Boston 
for  two  years  past.  I do  very  little  business  there,  but  go  over  more 
to  learn  what  is  going  on  in  the  city,  than  for  any  other  purpose. 
In  order  that  our  citizens  might  enjoy  the  benefit  of  the  great  in- 
crease in  the  speed  of  the  mails,  from  the  time  that  the  alteration  went 
into  effect  last  spring,  till  my  illness  in  November  last,  I took  the 
pains  to  take  over  and  bring  back  every  day  from  Boston  our  Southern 
Mail,  in  anticipation  of  the  Camderj — a fact  not  known  to  my  ac- 
cusers. 

The  first  of  July  last,  when  my  former  assistant  was  promoted,  I 
took  into  my  employ  a lad,  not  thirteen^  but  over  sixteen  years  of  age. 
Of  that  boy’s  care,  diligence,  fidelity  and  trustworthiness,  the  proofs 
are  abundant.  They  are  so  evident  in  his  every  action,  that  nothing 
but  the  madness  of  malice  could  attack  him.  Of  his  capability,  let 
my  entire  Quarterly  Returns  for  the  December  quarter,  make  an« 
swer.  I have  hardly  been  able  to  superintend  them,  having  been 


7 


confined  to  my  chamber  with  a lingering  fever  for  ten  weeks  from 
the  first  of  November  last.  During  which  period  Mr.  Willard,  my 
respected  predecessor,  and  my  former  assistant  Mr.  Harris,  had  a 
general  superintendence  of  the  office. 

The  course  in  the  office  is  daily  as  follows  : The  mail  is  received 
from  Boston  twice  a day  and  regularly,  except  recently  the  carrier 
has  a few  times  waited  the  arrival  of  the  southern  mail.  The  letters 
are  sorted  by  me  or  the  clerk,  and  the  fenny  post  selects  those  that 
he  carries.  All  are  entered,  with  the  names  of  the  persons  to  whom 
they  are  directed,  in  our  memorandum  book, — a practice  which  ob- 
tained under  Mr.  Willard,  and  which  has  been  continued  by  me. 
The  letters  which  remain  are  then  put  on  the  list.  The  office  at  this 
season  is  opened  at  8 o’  clock  A.  M.,  and  not  closed  till  1 P.  M.  ; 
it  is  open  again  at  2 P.  M.  and  not  closed  till  8 P.  M.  This  is  the 
regular  course.  During  the  whole  time  I have  had  charge  of  this 
office,  with  the  exception  of  my  recent  illness,  there  have  not  been 
twenty  days,  that  I have  not  been  in  the  active  superintendence  of 
it,  either  in  delivering  letters  at  the  window,  or  in  making  up  or 
opening  mails.  Thus  much  for  my  personal  care  of  the  Charlestown 
Post-Office. 

As  to  the  charge  that  personal  acquaintances  have  the  care  of  this 
office,  it  is  unfounded.  Obviously,  there  can  be  no  necessity  for 
taxing  my  friends,  when  I provide  so  liberally,  and  not  even  have 
I given  up  the  care  of  tliis  office  for  an  hour  to  either  of  my  brothers, 
except  at  a time  when  one  of  them  was  sworn  in  while  my  assistant 
was  absent.  No  man  has  read,  in  my  office,  any  other  papers  than 
his  own  or  mine,  or  one  that  I had  authority  to  lend.  No  subscriber 
has  had  his  paper  detained  one  moment.  Particularly  since  my  re- 
moval to  this  building,  a dead  latch  has  been  placed  on  the  door, 
and  loungers  exclude!  The  letters  are  delivered  at  the  window. 
The  objection  would  seem  to  apply  to  the  boy’s  age; — that  has  been 
incorrectly  represented,  and  ever  since  he  has  been  here,  loungers 
or  personal  acquaintances  have  been  received  by  me  in  another 
room. 

If  there  are  irregularities,  which  I deny,  the  blame  must  rest  upon 
the  servants  of  the  Department,  and  not  with  me.  All  letters,  news- 
papers, and  pamphlets  are  brought  direct  from  Boston  by  the  carrier, 
and  are  delivered  promptly  here  in  office  hours.  All  letters  are  des- 
patched from  this  office  to  Boston  by  the  first  mail  after  they  are  de- 
posited. I have  not  heard  of  a single  miscarriage  for  the  last  three 
years,  and  no  complaint  has  been  made  to  me,  that  letters  have  not 
reached  their  destination.  Within  my  own  knowledge,  persons  from 
the  north  end  of  Boston  have  preferred  that  their  letters  should  be 
addressed  to  this  office.  In  most  unqualified  terms,  then,  do  I pro- 
nounce the  charge  of  irregularity  maliciously  false  ; — with  un- 
measured contempt  do  I hear  that  many  citizens  are  unwilling  to 
trust  their  correspondence  through  this  office. 

As  to  a want  of  courteousness — this  charge  is  so  indefinite  and 
vague  in  its  nature,  that  I can  only  reply  in  a very  general  way. 

I have  never  heard  an  intimation  of  the  kind  before  ; I have  endea- 
vored, and  I believe  successfully,  to  show  a particular  degree  of  offi- 


8 


cial  courtesy  to  those  with  whom  I have  had  professional,  or  muni- 
cipal, or  political  collisions.  * # # # # 

In  an  establishment  like  this,  the  operations  of  which  necessarily 
bring  me  in  contact  with  individuals  of  every  description,  my  chief 
wonder  is  that  I have  escaped  so  free  from  differences.  1 am  confi- 
dent that  I have  never  violated  the  proprieties  of  official  courtesy. 
I am  not  amenable  to  the  Department,  if  in  other  transactions  I 
have  been  the  means  of  crushing  unreasonable  desires.  There  never 
existed  yet  an  active,  enterprising  man,  without  enemies.  My  pro- 
fession is  peculiarly  exposed  to  the  enmities  of  a certain  class  of  the 
community. 

What  I have  performed  since  I came  into  office  must  declare 
whether  I lack  a spirit  of  activity  and  accommodation.  Previously 
to  the  receiving  my  commission,  (July  18,  1829,)  xMr.  Willard  held 
the  office,  and  it  was  kept  in  the  second  story,  in  a small  apartment 
adjoining  his  office.  After  I took  charge  of  it  I retained  it  there  for 
a few  days,  and  endeavoured  to  find  a suitable  place  on  the  first 
floor.  1 could  not  at  that  time  rent  a place  approved  of  by  our  busi- 
ness men.  I then  fitted  up,  at  my  own  expense,  a room  in  the  same 
building  with  my  office,  but  distinct  therefrom,  which  was  admitted 
by  every  one  to  be  a decided  improvement.  As  soon  as  I was  able, 
which  happened  in  August,  1832,  I removed  to  a most  central  and 
satisfactory  place — next  to  our  market  house — and  established  it  at 
my  oMm  expense  on  the  first  floor.  I hardly  need  add,  that  the  office 
is  now  as  well  situated  for  convenience  and  accommodation  as  any 
office  in  the  United  States.  I also  have,  at  various  times,  at  the 
suggestion  of  the  citizens,  or  prompted  by  my  own  sense  of  what 
was  expedient,  requested  facilities,  which  the  Department  have  cor- 
dially granted. 

My  promptness  in  despatching  my  quarterly  returns, — in  making 
my  quarterly  deposits, — the  great  and  gradual  increase  of  the  post- 
age under  my  administration, — and  what  I have  now  communi- 
cated, it  appears  to  me  is  a sufficient  answ’er  to  the  fictitious  charges 
of  my  lacking  a spirit  of  activity  and  accommodation.  My  general 
courteousness,  my  evident  and  anxious  disposition  to  attend  to  all  the 
details  of  the  office,  I think  must  be  apparent  from  the  facts  wffiich 
I have  stated.  That  there  is  any  want  of  confidence  in  this  office  is 
certainly  contradicted  by  the  increase  of  revenue,  and  that  there  is 
no  irregularity  is  clear,  from  there  not  having  been  any  complaint  of 
miscarriage  for  a great  length  of  time. 

The  regulating  principle  of  my  life  is,  to  do  what  I judge  to  be  right, 
without  fear,  and  regardless  of  personal  consequences.  I do  not 
wish  to  be  misunderstood; — my  respect, for  the  Department  has 
elicited  this  long  communication.  I have  no  favor  to  ask  of  my  ac- 
cusers, or  of  the  Department.  I like  simple  and  exact  justice.  I 
feel  that  I am  entitled  to  the  confidence  of  my  fe*llow--citizens  gener- 
ally. If,  upon  opportunity  given,  I shall  find  myself  mistaken,  I 
shall  not  mourn  the  loss  of  office.  I am  so  situated  that,  in  a pecu- 
niary point  of  view,  it  can  be  but  a small  loss  ; and  I have  too  much 
independence  to  desire  emolument  at  the  expense  of  the  public  inter- 


9 


est.’"  If,  however,  it  should  be  made  apparent,  that  Interested  mo- 
fives  and  private  malice  are  the  moving  principles  of  my  accusers, 
then  I conceive  it  the  duty  of  the  Department  to  sustain  me. 

If  there  be  reasons  of  state,  which  require  my  removal,  let  it  be 
done  at  once.  I shall  scorn  to  complain  , but  I object,  however, 
to  the  fictions  to wvhich  my  accusers  have  resorted. 

I respectfully  request  to  be  furnished,  for  my  own  personal  use, 
with  a copy  of  what  is  alleged,  and  the  names  of  the  persons  com- 
plaining. In  conclusion,  I would  further  ask,  whether  the  Depart- 
ment is  satisfied  with  my  answer  to  their  communication 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  much  respect,  yours,  &c. 

A.  W.  AUSTIN 

Hon.  S R Hobbie,  A.  P.  M.  G. 

I exhibited  to  Paul  Willard,  Esq.  the  notice  of  the  Department. 
He  immediately  wrote  the  following  to  the  Hon.  Mr.  Hobbie. 

Cn.vRi.ESTowx,  Mass.  Jan.  27,  1834. 
Hun.  y.  R Hobbie,  Assistant  Postma-^ter  General. 

Sir,— 'Mr  Austin/the  Postmaster  of  this  town,  has  given  me  the 
perusal  of  your  note  of  the  21st  instant,  advising  him  of  sundry  com- 
plaints, which  have  been  made  the  ground  of  an  application  to  the 
Postmaster  General,  for  a new  appointment  of  Postmaster  for  the 
office  at  Charlestown, 

I cannot  refrain  from  expressing  my  indignation  at  the  depravity 
and  imposture  developed  by  your  communication.  Having  held  the 
same  office  seven  years,  immediately  preceding  Mr.  Austin’s  ap- 
pointment, and  having,  since  my  resignation,  been  established  in 
bijsiness,  almost  at  the  very  door  ofthe  post  office,  and  being  in  the 
constant  practice  of  receiving  and  remitting  large  sums  of  money  by 
the  mail,  I claim  to  know  both  how  such  an  office  should  be  con- 
ducted, and  how  thi$  has  been  conducted  by  Mr  Austin.  And,  with 
these  qualifications  to  judge,  and  these  opportunities  to  observe,  I 
unqualifiedly  pronounce  all  and  singular  the  allegations  referred 
to  in  your  note,  false  and  malicious.  No  law  or  usage  requires 
more  constant  and  faithful  attention  to  the  business  of  a post  office 
than  Mr.  Austin  has  invariably  bestowed  upon  this.  He  has  re- 
ceived, and  now  enjoys,  the  general  approbation  and  confidence  of 
the  public.  There  is  not,  to  my  knowledge,  a whisper  of  disaffec- 
tion in  the  co’nmunity.  flis  accusers  have  moved  in  darkness,  and 
their  plots  and  plans  are  shrowded  in  midnight.  Let  them  stand 
forth,  and  they  will  be  covered  with  shame  and  confusion, 

The  only  interest  I have  in  this  subject  is  that  which  an  early 
and  consistent  friend  of  the  administration  must  feel,  at  seeing  a co- 
laborer, able  and  faithful  in  the  cause,  clandestinely  marked  for  sa- 
crifice by  pretended  friends,  and  assassins,  I should  most  sincerely 
deprecate  the  ridicule  and  mortification  which  would  attend  the  suc- 
cess of  this  intrigue, 

**  I have  always  intended  to  administer  the  office  on  a liberal  foundation. 
The  whole  amount  realized  by  me  up  to  July,  1834,  was  |;1,325  10,  or  an  aver- 
age of  f2G5  02  per  annum. 


2 


10 


The  occasion  of  this  letter  gives  me  new  cause  to  regret,  that 
when  I was  at  Washington,  a year  ago  last  May,  as  a delegate  to 
the  Baltimore  Republican  Convention  from  this  Congressional  Dis- 
trict, your  absence  from  the  city  prevented  my  making  your  ac- 
quaintance ; but  your  colleague.  Col.  Gardner,  to  whom  I had  the 
pleasure  of  being  introduced,  and  of  whose  polite  attentions  I have 
a lively  recollection,  will  inform  you  that  this  comes  from  no  equivo- 
cal source. 

I am.  Sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

PAUL  WILLARD. 

The  interest  that  Mr.  Willard  took  in  this  matter,  and  the  fact 
that  he  had  a just  and  proper  influence  at  Washington,  became 
known  to  the  conspirators. 

He  had  put  a veto  on  their  machinations.  It  therefore  became  an 
object  with  them  to  throw  suspicion  upon  his  political  course,  and 
thereby  diminish  his  political  power.  Hence  the  falsehoods  relative 
to  that  gentleman  here — hence  the  attacks  which  have  been  made 
upon  him  in  the  ^ Lowell  Patriot’  by  the  miscreant.  Case. 

I also  wrote  to  a friend  at  Washington,  under  date  of  27th  Janu- 
ary, calling  his  attention  to  my  affairs  ; and  give  an  extract  from  the 
letter,  which  will  show  that  I was  right  in  my  conjectures  as  to  the 
source  from  whence  the  complainants  received  encouragement. 

‘ I have  no  doubt  that  the  Boston  Junto  are  at  the  bottom  of  this 
business.  I took  the  office  originally  to  disappoint  them.  That  is 
the  only  reason  I wish  to  retain  it.  They  are  at  war  with  every 
man  who  does  not  admit  their  political  honesty.  I have  distrusted 
their  political  fidelity — and  have  ever  openly  declared  that  distrust. 
The  high-minded  and  honorable  friends  of  the  Administration  in  this 
quarter,  for  years  have  had  to  endure  the  mortification,  and  to  bear 
the  odium  excited  by  their  dishonesty.  If  it  is  necessary  that  I 
should  be  sacrificed  to  their  animosity — let  it  be  so.  But  the  indi- 
viduals to  whom  I allude,  will  think  their  revenge  incomplete  unless 
they  can  couple  my  loss  of  office  with  the  loss  of  reputation  : — I defy 
them  and  their  slanders.’ 

I received  under  date  of  Feb.  4th,  1834,  a line  from  the  friend  to 
whom  the  above  was  addressed,  assuring  me  that  all  was  satisfacto- 
rily arranged.  The  influence  of  that  friend  is  still  in  the  ascend- 
ant— and  will  be  when  the  Statesman  interest  is  overthrown. 

A regular  conspiracy  will  be  exposed  in  the  following  pages,  en- 
couraged by  David  Henshaw  and  John  K.  Simpson,  assisted  by  E. 
Case,  of  Lowell, — who  is  understood  to  be  the  bought  and  paid-for 
tool  of  these  political  cut-throats. 

The  notice  of  the  Department,  caused  me  to  look  round  to  satisfy 
myself  who  had  been  forward  in  complaining.  I was  aware,  that  a 
system  of  espionage  was  kept  upon  me  and  the  office.  Some  months 
previous  to  the  Notice,  a friend  observed  that  Philander  Ames  was 
very  frequently  lurking  about  the  Post  Office,  out  of  office  hours, 
and  sometimes  endeavoring  to  excite  a clamor  because  the  office 
was  not  open.  This  fact  was  mentioned  to  me  at  the  time,  and  I 
frequently  saw  him  afterwards  skulking  about  in  the  same  way.  I 
soon  determined,  in  my  own  mind,  who  were  secretly  leagued  in  the 


11 


intended  mischief.  I knew  very  well,  from  their  general  character, 
that  they  were  just  fit  to  attack  the  reputation  and  standing  of  a 
townsman,  if  their  proceedings  could  be  veiled  in  the  darkness  of 
midnight.  They  could  wield  a poisoned  dagger,  if  their  hands  could 
be  concealed.  I received  hints  from  time  to  time  that  they  were 
still  endeavoring  to  undermine  me.  And  the  latter  part  of  March 
last,  received  direct  information  that  they  were  continually  annoying 
the  Post  Office  Department,  and  that  their  documents  had  accumu- 
lated to  a very  considerable  extent.  1 was  unwilling  any  longer  to 
be  the  subject  of  plots;  especially  as  I found  they  had  already,  by 
their  falsehoods,  persuaded  some  of  our  respectable  citizens  that  I 
was  much  distrusted  in  my  official  relations  by  the  business  men  of 
the  town.  Accordingly,  with  a view  of  ascertaining  whether  such 
great  dissatisfaction  existed,  my  friends  called  upon  the  citizens  for 
an  expression  of  their  opinions,  and  forthwith  obtained  a most  tri- 
umphant refutation  of  the  slanders  of  the  conspirators.  Armed  with 
this  expression,  and  several  other  documents  that  will  be  mentioned 
hereafter,  I proceeded  to  Washington,  and  was  there  received  in  a 
manner  gratifying  to  myself,  and  highly  honorable  to  the  officers  of 
the  Government.  The  complaints  and  representations  were  sub- 
mitted to  my  perusal.  I am  enabled  to  give  the  following  summary 
of  the  principal  documents;  and  having  given  them  in  the  order  of 
their  dates,  will  then  make  such  comments  as  my  limits  will  allow. 

No.  1. — The  substance  of  the  document  which  bears  the  earliest 
date,  August  13,  1833,  is  given  in  the  notice  sent  by  the  Depart- 
ment. It  is  a long  paper,  and  very  insidiously  sets  forth  that  the 
mismanagement  is  so  great,  that  the  complainants  thought  it  must 
be  apparent  to  the  Post  Office  Agent,  who  had  shortly  before  visited 
New  England,  and  that  they  should  be  saved  the  trouble  of  com- 
plaining; representing  that  there  was  great  dissatisfaction,  and 
that  the  revenue  would  be  increased  by  a new  appointment.  Accom- 
panying this  paper,  was  a letter  from  Hamilton  Davidson  to  the 
Hon.  Gayton  P.  Osgood,  representing  that  a change  would  be 
agreeable  to,  and  was  called  for  by  the  democracy,  and  recommend- 
ing William  Sawyer  for  the  vacancy.  It  was  also  stated  that  a letter 
would  be  addressed  to  Mr.  Osgood  by  David  Henshaw^  endorsing 
the  respectability  of  the  complainants.  The  original  complainants 
were, — Hamilton  Davidson,  Abijah  Goodridge,  Timo.  Thompson, 
Jr.,  Charles  Thompson,  and  Philander  Ames. 

No.  2, — Is  dated  February  6,  1834,  and  pretends  to  represent  a 
Town  Committee,  consisting  of  the  following  persons, — Charles 
Thompson,  J.  L.  Taggard, ' James  B.  Tamplin,  Jno.  B.  McAlvin, 
Samuel  Poor,  Charles  Poor,  and  Selden  Crockett.  These  gentle- 
men recommend  Mr.  William  Sawyer  as  Postmaster  of  Charles- 
town, refer  to  the  complaints  abovementioned,  and  speak  in  the 
name  of  Town  and  County. 

No.  3, — Is  a statement  or  certificate  of  James  Swan,  a school- 
master in  this  town,  under  date  of  l^th  Marcli^  1834,  He  certifies 
that  he  was  put  to  inconvenience  on  one  or  two  occasions  by  his 
name  being  improperly  put  on  the  list  of  letters,  and  not  taken  off  in 
season, — that  he  had  seen  the  Clerk  in  the  office  playing  cards,  and 


]2 


that  he  had  no  hostile  feelings  towards  Mr.  Austin^  but  that  he  dis- 
liked such  management. 

No.  4, — Is  a statement  by  Mr.  Crockett,  vi  William  Sawyers’s 
handwritings  of  the  miscarriage  of  a valuable  letter  in  the  spring  of 
1830,  over  live  years  ago.  This  statement  is  dated  JWarcA  l6t/i, 
1834. 

No.  5. — Mr.  Samuel  Poor,  under  date  of  March  21s?,  1834,  cer- 
tifies that  he  is  reedy  to  swear  that  the  Office  was  left,  he  does  not 
say  when,  in  charge  of  persons  not  clerks — he  further  certifies  that 
he  thinks  that  he  has  had  charge  of  it.  This  document  is  also  in 
Sawyer^s  handwriting-. 

No.  6, — Is  the  Certificate  of  John  Mitchell,  {in  ‘‘  Squird"*  Sow- 
yer'^s  handwriting)  that  he  was  mail  carrier  and  had  access  to  the 
Office  for  three  years,  and  that  John  Harris,  2d,  (the  clerk)  opened 
the  Mail  Bag,  and  that  when  he  went  to  the  Post  Office  he  did  not 
see  A.  W.  Austin  there  very  ofren.  Dated  April  4?/i,  1834. 

No.  7, — Is  a Certificate  of  Mr.  Charles  Thompson,  in  which  he 
complains  that  Mr.  Austin  was  ungentlemanly  in  his  intercourse 
with  the  Directors  of  the  News  Room,  and  he  signs  the  complaint 
as  Secretary  of  Directors  at  the  time  complained  of  Dated  Sfh 
Aprils  1834. 

No.  8, — Is  a letter  in  the  handwriting  of  Jesse  E.  Dow,  addressed 
to  the  P.  M.  General,  representing  that  A.  W.  Austin  is  not  at  the 
Post  Office  one  day  m the  week— that  he  boasts  that  he  can  gum  the 
P.  M.  General  into  any  thing — that  he  proclaims  that  he  holds  the 
office  in  spite  of  the  people  of  Charlestown,  and  that  he  will  hold  it, 
in  spite  of  Middlesex  County  and  all  New  England.  The  letter 
recommends  Abijah  Goodridge,  Esquire,  or  Wm.  Sawyer,  Esquire, 
for  the  vacancy,  and  represents  that  A.  W.  Austin  is  the  worst  per- 
son that  the  P.  M.  General  could  pick  out  in  the  whole  town.— - 
Stating  that  A.  W.  Austin  is  a federalist  of  the  worst  kind — that  his 
management  is  so  bad  that  it  must  be  brought  to  the  notice  of  the 
President,  if  A.  W.  Austin  is  not  removed  upon  the  documents  sub- 
mitted. 

No,  9,- — Is  a document  under  date  of  Dtcmher  dih^  1834,  signed 
by  H.  Davidson,  A.  Goodridge,  Chas.  Thompson,  Philander  Ames, 
William  Sawyer,  Selden  Crockett,  Solomon  Parsons,  John  Colburn, 
Jno.  Gregory,  Phineas  Stone,  and  J.  F.  Boyd,  pretending  to  speak 
as  a Town  Committee,  and  recommending  a removal  of  A.  D . Aus- 
tin. This  document  speaks  very  strongly,  and  slates  that  those  they 
represent  ‘ call  loudly  ’ for  a change  of  Postmaster,  and  that  no 
confidence  had  been  put  in  A.  W.  Austin  for  two  years. 

No.  10, — Is  signed  by  the  same  individuals,  except  William  Saw- 
yer omits  his  signature.  It  represents  that  the  democracy  of  Town 
and  County  demands  the  removal  of  A.  W.  Austin — recommends 
Sawyer  as  Postmaster  strenuously,  and  jiretends  that  he  is  deserv- 
ing, and  that  his  appointment  would  gratify  the  public.  It  is  dated 
December  9//i,  1834. 

No.  1 1, — Is  a document  pretending  to  represent  the  official  act  of 
the  County  Committee,  signed  by  Joseph  W.  Mansur,  and  J.  Bl. 
Read,  the  first  of  Lowell,  and  the  other  said  to  live  in  Clielmsford. 


V 


13 

It  recommends  a removal  of  A.  W.  Austin — claims  to  represent  the 
voice  of  the  democracy  of  Middlesex — recommends  Sawyer  for  Post- 
master of  Charlestown,  and  pretends  that  this  recommendation  &.c.  is 
the  result  of  investigation.  It  is  dated  December  9(hj  1834,  and  ap- 
pears to  be  in  the  hand-writing  of  Eliphalet  Case, — with  a memo- 
randum that  Sawyer  is  the  other  member  of  the  County  Committee 
himself,  and  therefore  does  not  sign. 

No.  12, — Is  a letter  from  Jno.  K.  Simpson,  of  Boston,  in  which 
Sawyer  is  strongly  recommended  for  Postmaster  of  Charlestown, 
and  is  represented  as  a man  of  talent  and  character.  Dated  ^Olh  De- 
cember, 1834. 

Thus  has  been  given  a synopsis  of  twelve  dificrent  papers,  by 
which  the  Department  were  annoyed,  and  which  they  found  accu- 
mulating on  their  hands  from  the  \3th  of  Angust  1S33  till  the  '20th  cf 
December j 1834.  I have  italicised  the  dates  as  they  become  import- 
ant. In  the  fall  of  1833,  in  the  spring  of  1834  and  in  Decnnbcry 
1834,  it  will  be  observed  the  conspirators  were  at  work.  With  re- 
gard to  the  complaints  themselves,  a few  remarks  upon  the  leading 
individuals  concerned  in  the  conspiracy,  and  their  motives,  cannot 
be  misplaced.  The  original  conspirators,  v/ere  Hamilton  Davidson, 
Abijah  Goodridge,  Timothy  Thompson  Jr,  Charles  Thompson,  and 
Philander  Ames.  From  the  letter  of  H.  Davidson  to  Hon.  Gayton 
P.  Osgood,  it  appears  that  Mr.  Henshaw  was  also  in  the  secret. 
Mark  his  cowardice.  He  does  not  dare  to  put  on  file  a letter  de- 
nouncing me.  But  Davidson’s  letter  shows  that  Henshaw  writes 
to  Mr.  Osgood  a private  letter.  That  is  to  say,  he  undertakes  to 
endorse  the  plotters,  so  that  Mr.  Osgood  can  urge  their  representa- 
tions. Mr.  Osgood  did  not  fall  into  the  snare, — I am  happy  to  state 
that  the  course  he  pursued  was  worthy  of  his  station,  and  was  con- 
sistent with  his  genera!  character  as  an  honourable  and  high-minded 
man. 

If  these  charges  were  not  true,  the  public  will  naturally  ask  why 
were  they  preferred.  And  in  order  to  reply  to  so  fair  an  inquiry,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  trouble  the  reader  with  something  of  detail. 
A charter  was  obtained  for  the  Charlestown  Bank  in  the  Spring  of 
1832.  When  the  time  arrived  for  organizing  the  Institution,  it  be- 
came apparent  that  Hamilton  Davidson  was  determined  to  obtain 
the  Presidency,*  with  a board  of  Directors  subservient  to  his  views. 
The  stockholders  became  alarmed.  Consultations  were  held.  The 
result  was  an  understanding  that  Mr.  Davidson’s  plans  must  be  de- 
feated, Abijah  Goodridge  particularly  exhibited  timidity.  He  was 
largely  interested,  and  threatened  to  throw  up  his  stock — repeatedly 
declaring  that  the  election  of  Davidson  w'ould  ruin  the  institution 
in  the  public  estimation.  This  was  the  universal  feeling.  I was 
selected  by  those  interested,  to  obtain  proxies  from  those  who  would 
not  probably  attend  the  choice  of  officeis.  Such  was  the  excitement 
among  the  stockholders,  that  I received  a majority  of  the  whole 
votes,  with  instructions  from  all  quarters,  some  of  them  written,  ex- 
plicitly directing  me  to  resist  the  designs  of  Davidson. — F.ven  after 
Mr.  Davidson  was  told  that  no  earthly  consideration  would  tempt 
me  to  betray  my  constituents,  he  besought  me  to  violate  the  pledges 


14 


I had  given.  I refused. — The  designs  of  Hamilton  Davidson  were 
frustrated.  The  wishes  of  the  stock-holders  prevailed.  The  insti- 
tution has  flourished.  The  savings  of  the  widow  and  the  inheri- 
tance of  the  orphan  were  not  committed  to  the  superintendence  of 
Hamilton  Davidson.  The  organ  of  those  interested  in  this  busi- 
ness, becomes  obnoxious  to  Davidson.  His  unreasonable  desires 
had  received  a check. — His  disappointment  rankles.  In  the  first 
evaporation  of  his  wrath,  he  declared  that  I should  be  turned  out  of 
the  Post-office,  if  it  cost  him  ^1000.  He  admitted  the  office  was 
not  of  value,  but  it  would  mortify  the  pride  of  the  Postmaster  to  be 
turned  out.  Armed  with  good  intentions,  I viewed  his  threats  with 
indifference,  his  malice  with  contempt. 

In  November  1832,  I was  a candidate  of  the  Jackson  party  for 
Representative,  regularly  nominated  at  a meeting  of  the  party. 
Hamilton  Davidson,  assisted  by  Charles  Thompson  and  Co.  attempted 
to  prevent  my  obtaining  the  full  vote  of  the  party.  This  attempt 
will  appear  the  more  malicious  and  ridiculous,  when  it  is  stated  that 
such  then  was  the  disparity  of  parties,  that  there  was  an  absolute 
certainty,  that  no  candidate  of  the  Jackson  party  could  obtain  an 
election  ; therefore,  any  diminution  of  my  vote  could  only  be  with 
the  view  of  injuring  my  feelings.  However,  in  spite  of  Mr.  David- 
son’s great  zeal  and  various  attempts  at  deception,  his  ticket,  bear- 
ing his  friend  Charles  Thompson’s  name,  obtained  an  average  of 
25,  and  I received  223  votes.  Let  it  be  remembered  that  this  was 
in  the  November  of  1832.  The  original  complaint  is  dated  August 
13th  1833.  About  nine  months  after  I had  been  the  candidate  of 
the  party,  before  the  political  year  had  come  round,  I am  assailed. 
David  Henshaw,  although  he  knew  that  I had  been  on  the  State 
Committee,  on  Town  Committees^  on  County  Committees,  is  found  lend- 
ing a hand  at  the  work  in  his  cowardly  way. 

In  June  1833,  President  Jackson  and  a portion  of  his  cabinet  visit- 
ed New  England.  Hamilton  Davidson,  probably  with  an  expecta- 
tion of  obtaining  an  influence,  made  a large  party,  to  which  the  Pres- 
ident and  Suite  were  invited.  Davidson’s  vanity  was  gratified, — 
his  hopes  of  revenge  promoted.  Elated  with  his  supposed  greatness, 
about  two  months  afterwards,  in  the  August  of  1833,  he  begins  his 
operations. 

He  who  assails  the  character  of  another,  involves  his  own  in  the 
issue.  The  magnificence  of  Mr.  Davidson’s  present  situation  has  not 
obliterated  the  recollection  of  past  transactions. 

What  right  Timothy  Thompson,  Jr.  the  uncle  of  William  Sawyer, 
had  to  certify  to  unfounded  charges  against  a public  officer, — 
what  right  he  had,  in  a secret  underhand  way,  to  attempt  to  un- 
dermine the  reputation  of  a member  of  his  own  party,  a man  whom 
he  must  have  known  had  been  true  to  his  principles  from  his 
youth  up, — is  left  to  his  own  sense  of  honesty  and  fair  dealing  to 
decide. 

Abijah  Goodridge  took  part  against  Davidson,  and  was  an  asso- 
ciate with  me  in  the  direction  of  the  Bank,  at  the  date  of  the  com- 
plaint. At  that  time  the  intercourse  between  us  was  not  broken. 
In  the  October  following,  he  was  turned  out  of  the  direction  for  good 


15 


cause.  The  others  certified  to  what  they  did  not  know.  Wliat  they 
said,  might  be  true  or  false.  Goodridge  certified  to  what  he  knew  to 
be  false,  malicious  and  groundless.  He  knew  that  I did  not  spend 
entire  days  at  Boston.  He  knew  that  there  was  no  public  elamor. — 
I place  upon  him  the  brand  of  wilful  falsehood  and  intentional  wrong. 
As  to  Charles  Thompson,  the  cousin,  and  Philander  Ames,  ihe  brother- 
in-law  of  William  Sawyer,  no  language  that  can  be  used  will  add  to 
the  contempt  already  entertained  for  them  by  the  public. 

We  will  now  take  up  the  documents  intended  to  be  auxiliary.  On 
the  5th  of  February^  1834,  about  the  time  I received  information  that 
my  answer  to  the  complaint  was  satisfactory,  Charles  Thompson, 
John  L.  Taggard,  James  B.  Tamplin,  Samuel  Poor,  Charles  Poor, 
Selden  Crockett,  and  John  B.  McAlvin,  representing  themselves  as 
a Town  Committee,  recommended  William  Sawyer  to  the  vacancy 
which  was  to  be  made  by  my  removal.  These  illustrious  individuals 
claim  to  speak  the  voice  of  the  Republicans  of  Charlestown.  The 
fraud  of  this  whole  proceeding  will  be  apparent  from  the  following 
remarks.  In  the  fall  of  1833,  a town  committee  of  three  were  elect- 
ed for  the  ensuing  political  year.  Probably  not  forty  individuals 
ever  knew  of  the  existence  of  this  pretended  committee  of  seven. 
The  first  notice  that  some  gentlemen  of  the  party  had,  that  there  had 
been  a meeting,  was  the  annunciation  in  the  Lowell  paper,  printed 
by  one  Case,  that  these  individuals  were  chosen  a town  committee. 
They  were  created  in  a sly  way,  for  the  purpose  of  endorsing  William 
Sawyer,  whilst  another  committee  of  the  party  was  in  existence. 

On  the  1 5th  of  March,  1834,  Mr.  James  Swan,  a school-master 
in  this  town,  is  much  troubled  about  the  management  of  the  office. 
Mr.  Swan’s  complaints  about  the  list  are  too  trivial  for  notice, — his 
statement  relative  to  the  Clerk,  is  a misrepresentation, — his  certifi- 
cate that  he  had  no  hostile  feelings,  is  worse  yet  ! It  is  known  to 
many  of  the  citizens,  that  Mr.  John  B.  Wilson  complained  to  me  on 
oath,  in  my  capacity  of  a magistrate,  against  said  Swan,  for  improp- 
erly beating  his  daughter,  a little  girl  about  eight  years  of  age. 
This,  as  appears  by  the  Record,  was  in  J^ovember,  1832.  I was 
obliged,  much  against  my  inclination,  to  issue  a warrant,  and,  in  the 
course  of  the  investigation  incident  thereto,  became  satisfied  that  it 
was  my  duty  to  impose  alight  fine.  The  child  was  severely  beaten. 
The  excitement  among  the  people  was  great.  They  wished  Mr. 
Swan  more  severely  punished.  I ask  if  it  is  not  a fair  inference, 
that  Mr.  Swan  lent  his  name  to  the  conspirators,  in  order  to  be  re- 
venged on  me  for  a judicial  act.  Is  it  usual  for  gentlemen  to  send 
a notice  to  Washington  of  such  trifling  circumstances  as  their  name 
being  carelessly  left  on  or  off  the  List,  without  notice  to  the  Post- 
master of  such  omission?  By  my  books,  I find  that  the  time  to 
which  Mr.  Swan  refers,  was  when  it  was  notorious  I was  confined 
by  illness.  Would  it  not  have  been  more  consistent  with  honorable 
conduct  to  have  notified  me,  if  any  abuse  did  exist?  But  really 
there  was  no  ground  for  any  complaint,  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Swan. 

I could  not  have  imagined  that  Mr.  Swan  could  for  a moment  har- 
bor such  a vindictive,  reptile  feeling  as  is  exhibited  in  his  complaint. 
Bid  Mr.  Swan  hope  to  gain  favor  with  Charles  Thompson,  who  was 


16 


one  of  those  upon  whom  Mr.  Swan  was  dependent  for  his  living,  by 
certifying  to  as  much  as  his  conscience  would  permit?  Did  Charles 
Thompson  whisper  in  Mr.  Swan’s  ear,  that  his  agency  in  casting  the 
arrow  would  never  come  to  light?  This  conduct  of  Mr.  Swan  is 
dwelt  upon;  if  the  exercise  of  a judicial  function  in  a conscientious 
and  courteous  manner,  is  to  set  such  deliberate  malice  at  \york,  wo 
be  to  those  who  hold  the  Magistrate’s  commission.  Nothing  can 
he  said  in  palliation  of  such  deliberate  malice.  If  Mr.  Swan  was 
originally  angry,  more  than  a year  had  elapsed,  and  he  had  had  suf- 
ficient time  to  become  cool. — Mr.  Swan  is  dismissed,  wdth  a hope  that 
his  sense  of  morality  will  be  awakened,  and  that  self-examination 
will  convince  him  that  his  conduct  has  not  been  consistent  with  feel- 
ings of  manliness  or  principles  of  honor.  If  he  expects  to  pass  his 
days  in  this  community,  let  him  not  again  be  misled  by  those  w'ho  in 
the  present  instance  have  made  him  a tool. 

Mr.  Crockett’s  statement,  prepared  in  the  hand-writing  of  Wm. 
Smaller,  relates  to  the  miscarriage  of  a valuable  letter  over  five 
years  ago.  Mr.  Crockett  forgets  to  state  that  I personally  made 
every  exertion  to  trace  the  missing  letter.  I am  only  responsible 
for  the  safe  despatch  of  letters  from  my  office;  and  from  the  fact 
that  there  has  not  been  a miscarriage  from  that  time  to  this,  it  might 
fairly  be  inferred  that  the  duties  of  the  Postmaster  and  his  clerks 
had  been  properly  discharged. 

Samuel  Poor  also  figures  in  Wm.  Sawyer's  hand-writing,  under 
date  oi' March  2lst,  1834.  This  individual  certifies  to  that  of  which 
he  could  have  no  knowdedge.  It  would  be  impossible  for  him  to 
know  how  many,  or  what  persons,  had  been  sworn  in  as  clerks.  The 
Postmaster  has  unlimited  power  in  this  particular.  He  also  states, 
that  he  is  ready  to  swear  that  he  thinks  the  Office  has  been  left  in 
his  charge.  Thinks!  I have  inquired  of  my  clerk,  and  can  inform 
Mr.  Samuel  Poor  that  he  thinks  as  wrongly  in  this  instance,  as  he 
does  in  most  others.  The  clerk  knoivs  that  he  never  trusted  him. 
I declare  that  I never  was  guilty  of  such  imprudence. 

Mr.  John  Mitchell  next  makes  his  appearance,  in  Wm.  Sawyer^s 
hand-writing.  Mr.  Mitchell  certifies  that  during  the  three  years  he 
had  access  to  the  Office  as  Mail  Carrier,  Mr.  Harris,  the  clerk  in 
the  Office,  opened  the  Mail  Bag;  that  he  frequently  goes  to  the 
Post  Office  and  does  not  see  me  there.  These  certainly  are  matters 
of  grave  import  to  forward  to  Washington!  When  it  is  recollected 
that  Mr.  Mitchell  was  removed  from  the  penny-post  situation  for  un- 
faithfulness, it  is  certain  evidence  that  the  affairs  of  the  Office  W’ere 
appropriately  conducted,  if,  with  his  opportunities  of  observation  and 
disposition  to  misrepresent,  he  cannot  make  out  a stronger  case  for 
his  friend  Sawyer. 

Mr.  Charles  Thompson  takes  the  field  in  the  capacity  of  a witness. 
He  sets  forth,  under  date  ol'  April  Sth,  1834,  that  I had  been  ungen- 
tleraanly  in  my  intercourse  with  the  Directors  of  the  News  Room. 
Betw'ecn  four  and  five  years  ago,  I had  a slight  difference  with  one 
of  the  Directors  of  the  News  Room,  concerning  the  postage  of  their 
newspapers.  W’e  both  of  us  at  the  time  felt  that  we  were  in  the 
right.  With  this  difference  I never  understood  that  Charles  Thomp- 


17 


son  had  any  thing  to  do.  The  tenor  of  his  certificate  is  to  shew  that 
he  had  been  used  improperly  by  me.  So  far  from  that,  we  never 
exchanged  a word  on  the  subject.  Charles  Thompson  undertakes, 
three  or  four  years  after  a misunderstanding,  to  certify  in  a secret 
way  at  Washington  concerning  it.  He  represents  himself  as  Secre- 
tary of  the  Directors.  From  inquiries  that  I have  made,  I feel  au- 
thorized to  state,  that  the  Directors  never  knew  of  his  using  that 
office  for  such  a purpose,  and  that  he  was  not  Secretary  of  the  News 
Room  in  April,  1834.  Signing  the  document  in  said  capacity,  he 
evidently  endeavors  to  create  the  impression  that  his  use  of  the  offi- 
cial signature  was  sanctioned,  and  in  this  way  practises  a double 
imposition;  he  not  being  Secretary  at  the  time  he  uses  the  official 
style,  nor  had  he  been  for  two  years  preceding.  His  conduct  in 
this  whole  business,  is  in  perfect  keeping  with  the  other  parts  of  his 
character.  I have  never  had  any  quarrel  in  any  shape,  with  this 
individual.  I never  have,  and  do  not  now  feel  any  resentment 
towards  him.  I have  allowed  him  heretofore,  and  now  give  him 
permission  henceforth  and  forever,  to  defame,  misrepresent,  and  be- 
lie me.  A pity  for  his  conceit — a contempt  for  his  understanding — 
an  abhorrence  of  his  meanness — a scorn  of  his  falsehood  and  hypoc- 
risy, are  the  only  feelings  which  can  be  entertained  towards  him. 

We  come  now  to  Mr.  Dow’s  epistle.  It  would  be  ridiculous  to 
notice  this  trash  at  all,  were  it  not  that  the  original  conspirators  must 
be  held  answerable  for  what  he  says.  It  is  evident,  that  although 
this  letter  proceeds  from  a solitary  individual,  yet  it  is  part  of  the 
general  plan.  It  was  not  written  without  the  knowledge,  connivance 
or  concurrence  of  some  of  the  leading  conspirators.  Every  one 
will  see  the  propriety  of  this  position;  as  the  letter  recommends 
Abijah  Goodridge,  Esq.,  or  Wm.  Sawyer,  Esq.,  for  the  vacancy. 
The  gross  falsehoods  it  sets  forth,  and  the  ridiculous  charges  it  pre- 
fers, are  part  and  parcel  of  the  plan.  It  is  unnecessary  to  contra- 
dict any  part  of  the  abuse;  it  may  be  proper  to  state,  that  I never 
held  any  such  language  as  that  imputed, — the  whole  is  a fabrication, 
from  the  beginning  to  the  end.  1 never  had  any  difference  with  this 
Dow,  and  until  the  latter  part  of  January  last,  I had  no  conception 
that  he  had  assailed  me.  What  then  is  the  reason  why  Dow,  and 
many  other  individuals  with  whom  I have  had  no  quarrel,  should 
pursue  me  in  this  secret  manner  } Have  hopes  of  office  been  held 
out  by  Wm.  Sawyer  and  his  Boston  friends,  to  those  who  would  help 
prostrate  me?  Was  there  a regular  plan.?  Was  Dow  to  be  chief 
clerk — were  Parsons  and  Colburn  and  sundry  others  to  obtain  situa- 
tions! Was  one  to  be  a head  mason — another  head  painter,  &c.  &c. 
in  the  Navy  Yard?  Have  there  been  representations  that  William 
Sawyer  had  power  over  offices?  Have  not  such  means  been  used 
to  corrupt  some  members  of  the  party,  who  would  never  have  dream- 
ed of  such  notions  themselves?  If  this  be  the  case,  I advise  them 
to  return  to  their  ordinary  employments. 

I have  a few  words  to  say  to  those  whom  I acquit  of  every  thing 
but  thoughtlessness.  Give  up  office-seeking — it  is  a foolish  busi- 
ness. If  you  cannot  be  content  with  your  employments,  enter  into 
speculation — buy  up  a half  or  a quarter  of  Salt  River,  establish  a 

3 


18 


Saline  factory,  you  will  find  a demand  for  the  article  manufactured — 
those  who  have  used  you  might  claim  a large  supply  to  preserve 
them  from  putrefaction.  At  any  rate  give  up  the  chase.  William 
Sawyer,  if  he  had  the  will,  has  not  the  power  to  help  you.  No 
gentle  Philanders  will  be  appointed — no  convict  smugglers  will  be 
selected  to  guard  the  revenue,  although  Jno.  K.  Simpson  might 
recommend  them  as  men  of  rare  talent,  for  that  purpose!  Mr.  Saw- 
yer’s object  has  been  an  office  for  himself;  that  obtained,  his  recent 
burst  of  patriotism  would  have  cooled.  Besides,  you  cannot  rely 
upon  his  representations.  The  disturbances  he  has  excited,  the  in- 
trigues in  which  he  has  been  engaged,  confirm  in  his  manhood  the 
promise  of  his  youth.  He  cannot  appreciate  truth.  It  is  a misfor- 
tune, doubtless, — but  it  is  a fact. 

In  the  next  place,  we  find  under  date  of  December  9//i,  1834,  a 
statement  signed  by  another  pretended  town  Committee;  a machine 
got  up  in  an  improper  and  fraudulent  manner,  for  the  double  pur- 
pose of  disturbing  me  and  obliging  the  Henshaw  Junto,  by  certify- 
ing to  falsehoods  about  the  Hon.  L.  M.  Parker.  The  infamous, 
false,  and  defamatory  representations  of  this  Committee,  together 
with  similar  representations  made  by  J.  W.  Mansur,  Reed,  and  Saw- 
yer as  a county  Committee,  prevented  Mr.  Parker’s  re-appointment. 
Phis  was  in  conformity  to  the  general  plan.  The  Boston  Junto  and 
the  gang  here,  would  both  be  gratified  by  my  removal;  and,  if  Mr. 
Parker’s  official  existence  could  be  terminated,  it  would  gratify 
Simpson  and  Co.,  and  might  open  a chance  for  the  offices  within  the 
control  of  the  new  incumbent.  The  plot  relative  to  Mr.  Parker 
succeeded — the  Postmaster  of  Charlestown  still  survives.  Tainen 
vivit.  Sawyer  and  Davidson  have  fulfilled  their  part  of  the  contract. 
— David  Henshaw  and  John  K.  Simpson,  fulfil  your  part.  Mr. 
Sawyer  has  not  been  paid  his  wages;  he  deserves  something — pay 
him;  or  you  may  find  it  difficult  to  obtain  tools  and  certificate-makers 
hereafter.  Mr.  Henshaw,  you  know  how  necessary  you  have  here- 
tofore found  this  description  of  persons.  Heretofore  you  have  used 
XYiem— -hereafter^  you  may  need  them.  Pay  up,  Mr.  Henshaw, — 
there  is  already  a complaint  amongst  your  protegees  friends,  that 
you  keep  the  word  of  promise  to  the  ear  only. 

This  fraudulejit  Committee  appear  in  documents  No.  9 and  10. 
They  all  sign  the  first,  and  represent  that  the  democracy  ‘ calls 
loudly’  for  a change,  when  there  were  not  forty  individuals  in  the 
whole  county  of  Middlesex  who  knew  that  any  such  matter  was  in 
contemplation. 

No.  10  is  a recommendation  of  Sawyer,  signed  by  all  this  fraudu- 
lent town  Committee,  excepting  their  candidate  himself.  The 
people  of  Charlestown  can  judge  of  the  truth  or  falsehood  of  these 
papers;  further  comment  is  not  requisite. 

We  come  now  to  the  County  Committee.  It  will  appear  by  Mr, 
Russell’s  letter,  hereafter  given,  that  there  are  five  members  of  the 
County  Committee;  that  J.  W.  Mansur  and  Wm.  Sawyer  were  the 
Secretaries  of  the  Convention  at  which  the  committee  was  appoint- 
ed,— consequently  it  was  their  duty  to  have  notified  the  members  of  their 
appointment.  It  will  appear  by  the  letter  of  Dr.  Parker,  of  Shirley, 


19 


that  he  never  was  notified  of  his  appointment;  and  by  Mr.  Dike’s 
letter,  that  he  never  had  any  knowledge  of  the  papers  which  have 
been  forwarded  to  Washington. 

Mr.  Mansur,  of  Lowell,  and  a Mr.  Reed,  of  Chelmsford,  pretend- 
ing to  have  investigated  the  subject,  and  to  represent  the  wishes  of 
the  democracy  of  Middlesex,  recommend  my  removal  and  Sawyer’s 
appointment.  They  do  not  state  that  they  are  merely  two  of  the 
committee;  but  there  is  a memorandum  attached,  stating  that  Saw- 
yer himself  is  a member  of  the  committee; — intending  to  convey  the 
impression  that  this  paper  was  the  official  act  of  the  committee,  and 
that  they  three  comprised  the  whole  of  the  committee.  Under  these 
circumstances,  whoever  availed  himself  of  this  paper — whoever  was 
instrumental  in  procuring  it — was  guilty  of  moral  forgery.  This 
document  appears  to  be  in  Case’s  hand-writing;  I think  the  honor 
of  it,  at  any  rate,  should  belong  to  him,  as  it  is  generally  understood 
that  this  Mansur  is  merely  his  tool. 

Mr.  John  K.  Simpson  brings  up  the  rear,  with  a letter  under  date 
of  December  20^/i,  1834.  The  documents  of  the  9th,  had  not  effectu- 
ally operated — it  was  found  necessary  to  call  upon  Hercules — Mr. 
Simpson  puts  his  shoulder  to  the  wheel.  Mr.  Simpson  is  the  facto- 
tum of  David  Henshaw, — Caleb  Quoiem  is  a fool  to  him;  whatever 
Simpson  does,  he  is  allowed  to  do  by  Henshaw.  If  a letter  of  de- 
nunciation is  necessary,  Mr.  Simpson  is  called  upon.  If  it  is  expe- 
dient to  give  encouragement  to  several  candidates  for  the  same 
office,  Mr.  Simpson  can  write  eulogies  upon  all.  Mr.  Simpson  ex- 
pects the  Collectorship,  when  Mr.  Henshaw  is  in  the  Cabinet,  and 
will  probably  find  his  way  into  the  Cabinet  when  Henshaw  is  Presi- 
dent! 

It  will  not  anstver  for  David  Henshaw  to  figure  in  the  business; 
Mr.  Simpson,  therefore,  must  direct  the  feathery  dart  at  the  Post- 
master of  Charlestown. 

Lethalis  arunclo  non  haiset  la'iori. 

Mr.  Simpson  vouches  for  the  talent  and  character  of  Wm.  Saw- 
yer. He  wants  an  individual  removed,  who  was  of  the  party  even 
before  John  K.  Simpson  disgraced  it;  one  who  has  always  been 
faithful  to  his  principles,  when  David  Henshaw  and  his  accomplices 
have  been  calcvlating  chances. 

There  were  five  or  six  other  documents  on  file;  they  consisted  of 
confidential  or  private  letters.  I was  not  permitted,  and  did  not 
wish  to  see  them.  Their  tenor  cannot  be  much  beyond  what  has 
been  exhibited. 

I placed  on  file  a large  number  of  letters  from  gentlemen,  in  this 
vicinity,  who  are  favorably  known  at  Washington, — a Record  from 
the  United  States  court,  showing  Joseph  F.  Boyd,  one  of  the  fraud- 
ulent town  committee,  to  be  a convict  smuggler., — a record  of  Swan’s 
trial, — a statement  of  the  manner  of  electing  the  town  committee  of 
eleven, — a letter  from  Jas.  Russell,  Esq.,  showing  who  the  county 
committee  were, — and  the  letters  of  Messrs.  Dike  and  Parker,  ex- 
hibiting the /rr/wM  of  the  county  committee  Document.  In  addition 
to  the  above,  a Memorial  from  the  people  of  Charlestown,  embracing 


20 


about  an  equal  number  of  each  political  party,  bearing  upwards  of 
four  hundred  signatures,  which  speaks  the  following  language. 

To  the  Honorable,  the  Postmaster  General  of  the  United  States. 

We,  the  undersigned,  citizens  of  Charlestown,  Mass,  without  dis- 
tinction of  party  ; having  been  informed  that  representations  have 
been  secretly  made  to  the  Department  derogatory  to  the  personal 
and  official  character  of  the  Postmaster  of  this  town  ; respectfully 
represent,  that  in  the  opinion  of  the  subscribers,  the  duties  of  said 
Postmaster  are  faithfully  discharged,  that  we  consider  Mr.  Austin 
as  an  active,  accommodating,  and  courteous  officer,  that  we  are  sat- 
isfied he  performs  his  official  duties  with  a disposition  to  accommodate 
the  whole  public  ; and  that  those  necessarily  employed  under  him  are 
competent  and  acceptable.  Viewing  the  office  as  a responsible  one, 
we  remonstrate  against  any  change  as  prejudicial  to  the  public  in- 
terest, and  we  know  not  of  any  thing  in  the  personal  or  official  char- 
acter of  Arthur  W.  Austin,  Esq.  that  should  cause  a discontinuance 
of  the  confidence  of  the  Department;  but  on  the  contrary  we  firmly 
believe  that  the  public  interest  and  convenience  will  be  as  well  se- 
cured, and  the  honor  of  the  government  as  well  sustained  by  Mr, 
Austin  as  by  any  other  person  who  could  be  placed  in  the  office. 

April,  1835. 

This  was  signed  by  many  gentlemen  with  whom  I have  had  warm 
political  and  professional  collisions.  Men  of  honor,  however,  and 
they  cordially  bore  testimony  to  my  official  fidelity. 

I now  proceed  to  give  the  letter  of  James  Russell,  Esquire,  to 
which  I have  alluded.  This  letter  states  who  were  chosen  a county 
committee. 

West  Cambridge,  April  17th,  1835. 

Arthur  W.  Austin,  Efedj. 

Dear  Sir, — In  answer  to  your  inquiries  respecting  the  Democratic 
Republican  county  convention,  'holden  at  Concord  in  October  last  ; 
I will  state,  that  I had  the  honor  of  being  elected  to  preside  on  that 
occasion,  and  Joseph  W.  Mansur  of  Lowell,  and  William  Sawyer  of 
Charlestown,  were  chosen  secretaries.  At  that  convention,  five 
Democratic,  or  Jackson  candidates,  were  elected  to  be  supported  for 
the  State  Senate,  and  also  a county  committee  for  the  current  year, 
consisting  of  the  following  persons,  to  wit,  Joseph  W.  Mansur  of 
Lowell,  Augustus  G.  Parker  of  Shirley,  George  W.  Dike  of  Stone- 
ham,  William  Sawyer  of  Charlestown,  and  a Mr.  Reed  of  Chelms- 
ford. This  county  committee,  as  you  will  perceive,  are  all  young 
and  most  of  them  new  men. 

That  your  political  character  should  have  been  called  in  question 
by  the  county  committee,  or  any  part  of  them,  or  by  any  one  else,  is 
to  me  a matter  of  astonishment.  Who  dares  to  say,  that  you  have 
not  been  an  early,  consistent,  and  unwavering  dc.mnrrnt  ? Show  mg 
the  man,  who  will  presume  to  accuse  you  even  of  lukewarmness  in 
the  support  of  President  Jackson,  and  the  leading  measures  of  his 
admini.stration,  and  I will  prove  the  falsehood  upon  him.  Is  it  pos- 
sible that  the  county  committee,  or  any  part  of  them,  have  the  audac- 


ity  to  call  in  question  your  political  integrity  ? I can  hardly  believe 
it.  But  if  such  has  been  the  fact,  they  must  have  been  imposed  upon 
by  some  personal  enemy  in  your  town  ; let  them  be  undeceived  as 
soon  as  possible.  Let  me  tell  you,  sir,  that  you  have  nothing  to  fear 
from  such  base  insinuations;  your  character  and  standing  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  bar  of  the  county  of  Middlesex  may  be,  and  no  doubt  is 
the  envy  of  some  ; but  diligence,  industry,  integrity  and  high  mind- 
edness, which  I am  happy  to  state  are  the  component  parts  of  your 
character,  will  enable  you  to  triumph  over  your  secret  foes. 

You  are  at  liberty  to  make  such  use  of  this  letter  as  you  may  think 
expedient. 

In  haste,  your  friend  and  humble  servant, 

JAMES  RUSSELL. 

The  following  letters  from  Messrs.  Dike  and  Parker  put  a brand 
on  the  doings  of  the  county  committee. 

Shirley  Village,  April  .3,  1835. 

D EAR  Sir, — Yours  of  March  27,  is  now  before  me.  And  in 
answer  to  your  enquiry,  If  I have  acted,  and  how,  as  one  of  the 
County  Committee,  in  the  attempt  to  remove  Mr.  Austin  from  the 
Post  Office  in  Charlestown? — I must  say,  sir,  your  letter  the  first 
intimation  I ever  had  of  such  an  attempt.  I know  nothing  about  the 
affair.  JVeither  do  I know — that  I am  one  of  the  said  Committee. 
I suspect  I am  not.  You  are  at  liberty  to  make  such  use  of  this 
letter  as  you  may  think  proper,  to  counteract  any  impressions  made 
upon  your  mind,  or  of  others,  that  I have  any  connexion  with  the 
transaction,  either  directly  or  indirectly. — I am,  sir,  very  respectfully 
yours,  &c.  AUGUSTUS  G.  PARKER. 

Paul  Willakd,  Esquire. 

Stoneham,  April  11th,  1835. 

Dear  Sir, — In  reply  to  your  questions,  I will  state  that  at  the 
Concord  Convention  in  October  last,  I was  chosen  a member  of  the 
Middlesex  Democratic  County  Committee  for  the  ensuing  political 
year,  together  with  Augustus  G.  Parker  of  Shirley,  Mr.  Reed  of 
Chelmsford,  Mr.  Mansur  of  Lowell,  and  William  Sawyer  of  Charles- 
town. I have  never  been  notified  so  as  to  attend  any  meetings  of 
said  Committee  and  have  not  signed  any  papers  in  relation  to  you 
or  Hon.  Leonard  M.  Parker,  late  Naval  Officer  at  Boston. 

I have  not  been  consulted  as  to  you,  and  if  consulted  should  have 
given  it  as  my  opinion  that  you  are  deserving  of  entire  confi- 
dence in  your  political  relations,  and  that  your  personal  character 
is  a guaranty  that  the  affairs  of  the  Post  Office  Department  are  in 
safe  hands.  I declare  without  hesitation,  that  I have  perfect  reliance 
in  the  purity  and  firmness  of  your  political  faith  and  have  known 
you  as  one  of  the  earliest  and  most  constant  friends  of  the  present 
Administration.  If  the  County  Committee  have  made  any  repre- 
sentations in  relation  to  either  you  or  Mr.  Parker,  at  Washington, 
I consider  such  doings  as  an  outrage  upon  my  rights  as  one  o.^  the 
Committee,  and  upon  the  rights  of  those  whom  I represent.  You 


22 


are  at  perfect  liberty  to  make  whatever  use  you  think  fit  of  this 
communication.  Yours,  &c. 

G.  W.  DIKE. 

A.  W.  Austin,  Esquire. 

I laid  before  the  Department  my  testimonials,  which  received 
prompt  and  careful  examination.  The  following  communication 
was  the  result  of  the  investigation. 

Post-Office  Department, 
Northern  Division,  April  , 1835. 

Sir, — Your  reply  to  the  complaints  made  against  your  office,  of 
which  you  were  some  time  since  notified  by  the  Department,  and 
the  testimonials  submitted  by  you  in  relation  to  them,  are  considered 
satisfactory  by  the  Postmaster  General  ; and  the  applicants  have 
been  notified,  through  their  candidate,  that  no  sufficient  cause  is  i 
perceived  for  your  removal  from  office,  and  the  new  appointment 
requested  by  them. 

I am.  Sir,  re.spectfuliy,  your  obedient  servant, 

S.  R.  ROBBIE, 
Assistant  Postmaster  General. 

To  A..  W.  Au:iT!N,  Esq.  Poslmaster.  Charlestown,  Mass. 

A word  as  to  the  office  1 hold.  I came  into  it  fairly.  I do  not 
hold  it  as  the  reward  of  political  partizanship.  I never  shall  hold 
it  on  such  terms.  The  public  have  dealt  generously  by  me.  I do 
not  intend  to  neglect  their  interests.  I have  proceeded  in  this  busi- 
ness with  a view  to  the  public  benefit.  I intended  not  my  own  pres- 
ervation merely.  That  of  course  was  my  duty.  I deemed  it  no 
less  a duty  to  expose  the  machinery  employed,  the  dark  and  devious 
paths  pursued  by  political  hymnas  to  destroy  all  who  will  not  wor- 
ship at  their  shrine.  These  individuals  are  known.  Their  selfish 
schemes,  their  personal  plans  of  aggrandizement,  their  denunciations 
of  all  who  distrust  them,  of  all  who  by  any  possibility  could  cross 
their  paths,  are  known.  Their  names  are  no  longer  talismans  at 
Washington.  Their  influence  has  departed. 

What  is  evident,  it  is  superfluous  to  prove.  Every  sagacious 
reader  will  perceive  the  insignificance  of  the  Charlestown  complain- 
ants.*— In  their  most  e.xtravagant  moments  of  self-exaltation,  they  had 
not  the  presumption  to  suppose  their  representations  could  effect  the 
object  desired.  Encouraged  and  instigated  by  the  Boston  Junto, 
they  thought  success  certain.  In  the  first,  they  depended  upon  the 
endorsement  of  Henshaw.  In  their  extremity  John  K.  Simpson 
appears.  The  impertinent  interference  of  the  Boston  office  holders, 
and  their  patent  machinery,  which  in  many  cases  has  successfully 
operated,  is  exposed. 

I said,  public  considerations  have  influenced  me  in  my  course. — 
It  is  believed  that  other  individuals,  holding  office  in  this  country 


* The.  amount  of  postage  paid  bj  all  the  complainants  for  a month,  I find,  by 
ray  books,  to  be  one  dollar  and  forty  four  cents'. 


23 


under  the  Postmaster  General,  are  the  subjects  of  plots  similar 
to  the  one  developed.  All  are  liable  to  them.  It  is  hoped  the  expos- 
ure of  the  names  of  those  engaged  in  such  secret  machinations  will 
arrest  these  assassin-like  attacks.  That  is  one  object  of  the  pres- 
ent publication. 

The  complainants,  though  few  in  number,  were  so  artfully  arrayed 
in  various  and  formidable  shapes,  that  the  Department  would  have 
been  justified  in  believing  that  my  longer  continuance  in  office  would 
be  in  defiance  of  public  sentiment.  Representing  themselves  as  the 
organs  of  large  portions  of  the  people,  and  being  endorsed  as  such 
by  those  holding  responsible  situations  under  the  government,  it  was 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  I was  acquainted  with  their  projects. 

I feel  that  I have  been  tedious.  I am  conscious  that  I owe  the  pub- 
lic some  apology  for  the  introduction  of  so  many  unimportant  char- 
acters. It  must  be  remembered,  that,  a secret  knot  of  individuals, 
whose  motive.s  are  not  apparent  to  the  public,  can  by  combined  and 
well-timed  efforts  materially  injure,'if  not  destroy  the  fairest  reputa- 
tion. 

I have  been  pursued  for  some  length  of  time.  My  course  has 
heretofore  been  one  of  forbearance.  I have  been  advertised  in  the 
public  prints, — attempts  have  been  made  to  undermine  me  with  old 
friends  and  valued  clients.  I knew  not  the  extent  of  the  mischief. 
I have  surveyed  the  attacks  in  silence.  I have  hoped  that  as  the 
malice  was  causeless,  it  would  cease.  My  astonishment  at  their 
perseverance  was  great.  I had  molested  no  one.  I am  no  political 
adventurer.  I had  not  entered  into  cabals.  I had  not  grasped  at 
those  things  that  might  be  supposed  legitimate  objects  of  ambition. 
I was  tranquilly  pursuing  the  even  tenor  of  my  way — an  obscure  in- 
dividual, desiring  to  live  on  my  own  side  of  the  hedge,  and  to  dwell 
in  peace  and  quietness  amongst  my  neighbors.  This  was  not  per- 
mitted. The  twice  defeated  Junto  appointed  the  third  time  for  de- 
capitation. The  weapon  was  sharpened,  the  hand  ready  to  inflict 
the  blow;  they  supposed  the  intended  victim  was  slumbering  in  false 
security.  He  awakens  from  apparent  indifference  to  defend  ‘ life’s 
life.’  His  defence  is  successful,  he  prevails — he  triumphs.  He 
goes  farther,  he  drags  the  assassins  to  the  light  of  day — he  exposes 
them  to  the  public  gaze — he  holds  them  up  to  the  scorn  of  a moral 
community. 


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